Ten High Tech Jobs Coming to Kentucky

Ten new high-tech jobs are coming to the Bluegrass State. Darrell Moody has the details...






On Thursday, governor Steve Beshear's office announced that a newly-formed subsidiary of Virginia-based Metaformers Inc. has opened an operation in Kentucy. CirrusMio will open an office in Frankfort to begin development of a cloud-based software program geared toward public sector clients. Governor Beshear welcomed CirrusMio and promised there will be more technology companies and more high-tech jobs coming to the Commonwealth. The company is set to receive $100,000 to help fund the project, with the money coming from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority.

Taiwan Donates $30K For Tornado Relief

Taiwan has donated $30,000 to aid Kentucky to aid in recovery efforts following March's deadly tornado outbreak. Kerri Richardson with the governor's office says will go to help local charities...






TAG: Richardson says this is actually the second $30,000 donation from the government of Taiwan. They also made a similar donation last summer after serere flooding hit western Kentucky.

State Launches "Learn Before You Burn" Campaign

Spring is finally here and many local residents are cleaning up their homes and yards...and burning a lot of it. Roberta Burnes, environmental education specialist with the Kentucky Division for Air Quality says the state wants you to "learn before you burn..."






Burnes says it's illegal to burn any trash with the exception of plain, un-coated paper products. It's also illegal to burn furniture, demolition debris, plastic products. For more information on what is safe and legal to burn, call the state's open burn hotline at 888-BURN-LAW

US Sen McConnell Comments on UK-Louisville Game

UK and Louisville square off this weekend in the NCAA Final Four. Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell addressed his collegues on the Senate Floor Wednesday, predicting Saturday's semifinal game...one of the greatest moments in Kentucky sports history...






TAG: McConnell, who holds degrees from both schools, called Kentucky the best state in the country for college basketball...he also pointed that out to his collegues in North Carolina.

First Lady Announces Recovery Kentucky Successes

A new report indicates the Recovery Kentucky program has been even more successful than anticipated. First Lady Jane Beshear says the University of Kentucky announced the study's findings on Tuesday...






TAG: In 2008, Governor Beshear established the Recovery Kentucky Task Force. The program is a joint effort by the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the Department of Local Government and the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

Deputy jailer under arrest

A deputy jailer for Lincoln County - was arrested himself. 21-year-old Justin Pearson -- who had only worked at the jail for a few months -- was arrested Saturday on suspicion of sneaking contraband into the jail. Pearson was being held in the Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington on a $2,500 cash bond. Lincoln county jailer David Gooch says it's not common that staff has to be arrested for breaking the law, especially within the jail, according to the advocate-messenger. The internal affairs investigation that implicated Pearson is not over, and more arrests are possible.

Centre College Named to Community Service Honor Roll

Centre College was recently named to the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Michael Strysyck says the Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities with outstanding commitments to community service and its effect on the region’s inhabitants.






According to Strysyck, over 85 percent of Centre's students are engaged in community service. Centre has a variety of campus organizations that are dedicated solely to community service efforts.

Danville High Qualifies Six For National Speech and Debate Tourney

Danville High School placed first in speech and first in congress in the team competitions during the National Forensic League’s Kentucky District Tournament at Centre College.






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DHS qualified six students for the Indianapolis national speech and debate tournament, the world’s largest academic competition, in June. DHS students won several other prizes at the competition. Some students qualified for nationals in more than one event and will choose which event to compete in. Danville High School assistant coaches Christel Belcher and Beth Marlowe were named the District Coaches of the Year at an awards ceremony.

Process Begins In Demo Of Buildings For Boyle County Library Parking

Despite opposition by many, including several members of the Danville Architectural Review Board, the Boyle County Public Library has begun the process of tearing down two buildings to add more parking.






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Library Director Karl Benson says that hazardous waste mitigation is under way in the old First Baptist Church education building on South Fourth Street and a house that most recently was used as law offices for the late Bill Stevens at the corner of West Broadway and South Fourth Street. Although a contract for demolition hasn’t been signed, Benson said the work likely will begin about the first of April and take a month to complete. Many have questioned whether the Stevens building could have been used for another purpose instead of tearing it down.

Danville Rotary Club To Hold International Dinner On Saturday

The Danville Rotary Club will host its annual International Dinner Saturday on the campus of Centre College on Saturday. Valery McMann says the dinner raises funds for polio vaccinations and to support the resource centers in the Danville and Boyle County school systems.






The dinner is open to the public. It will take place at 6:30 PM. For more information, call 859-238-0607.

National Red Cross Month Reminds Kentuckians To Prepare For Severe Weather Now

This is not only Severe Weather Awareness month in Kentucky, it is also National Red Cross Month. Winn Stephens with the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross says this is the month to prepare.






You can prepare yourself for severe weather by creating a disaster preparation kit. You can also help the Red Cross prepare now with your donations. For ways to do both, go to redcross.org.

Garrard County Library Programs For This Week

The Garrard County Library is offering some great free workshops in the next few weeks. Assistant Librarian Robin Metcalf says it all starts with a Basic Computer Skills class this Friday.






Class space is limited to eight, so show up early to reserve a space. That class runs from 1 to 3 PM on Friday.

Adopt-A-Highway Spring Clean Up Takes Place This Week

Drivers will want to pay close attention this week as they are driving on Kentucky highways. Natasha Lacey with District 7 of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinent says this is Adopt-a-Highway Spring Clean Week and workers will be out in force.






Nearly 800 groups participate in Kentucky's Adopt-a-Highway program, which was established in 1988. Volunteers clean approximately 5,100 miles of roadside annually

Boyle County Middle School Coach To Be Honored

62 year old Boyle County Middle School Coach, Johnny Harmon died in a tractor accident in January and will be honored by his team.






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The Boyle County Middle School Eagles plan to honor their former coach night tonight at the Salt River Conference Pre-Season Tournament at Millennium Park in Danville. Harmon had retired from coaching at the end of last season. A moment of silence will take place in Harmon's honor before the first game at 5:30 pm followed by the girls releasing balloons. Money will also be collected for the Coach Johnny Harmon fund.

Medal of Honor Plaque Unveiled By Governor Beshear

Yesterday, Governor Steve Beshear joined lawmakers and veterans’ groups from across the Commonwealth to unveil a bronze plaque listing the names of Kentucky’s 60 Medal of Honor recipients.







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Three of Kentucky’s five living Medal of Honor recipients attended the event. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. In 2011, legislation was introduced that called for the creation of the plaque. It will hang in the Capitol Rotunda, opposite the statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Arts Fest Gets Replaced By BBQ In Danville

The smells alone from the Kentucky State BBQ Festival that was held last year in Constitution Square may have been the reason such large crowds attended. Interim Director of the Danville Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Charlie Cox, has announced the Festival will return, but will take place on a different date.






The BBQ fest will take place September 8th through the 9th and will replace the Constitution Square Arts Fest.

Congressman Guthrie Featured at Public Policy Series

The Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its 2012 season of their AT and T Public Policy Series Thursday at 11:45 AM. Charlie Cox says this is the 3rd year of the series which features speakers or topics on issues of importance to the business community.






Reservations are required and can be made by calling the chamber. Lunch is included.

Adopt A Highway and Help Clean Up Kentucky

You have seen the signs and now you will see the workers. Next week, volunteers will be out as part of the Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up Week. Natasha Lacey with District 7 says those who adopt commit to three clean ups per year.






Your group still has time to adopt part of a highway. Just go to adopt-a-highway.ky.gov.

Nominations Sought For Historic Preservation Awards

Nominations are being sought for the Annual Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Historic Preservation Awards. Diane Comer says the statewide event recognizes excellence in historic building preservation, advocacy efforts and lifetime commitment to preserving Kentucky’s historic and prehistoric resources.






Nominations may be submitted by mail or in person to the Kentucky Heritage Council. All entries must be received or postmarked by Monday, April 9th. For more information, go to heritage.ky.gov.

Employees In Danville Taking Donations For Tornado Victims

What started as a simple idea of helping out tornado victims by a few employees has grown into a large relief effort. Michelle Gross, who works at Helton, Erwin and Associates in Danville says they knew they had to do something.






Donations of non-perishable food items, blankets, pillows and other items can be dropped off from * to 5 Friday and 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday at 432 West Main Street in Danville.

Local Church Organizes To Help At West Liberty

As the relief effort continues in Kentucky, one church has felt called to help because of a connection to West Liberty. Kelly Votaw with the Southside Christian Church near Harrodsburg calls it a Godly connection.






Votaw and others have traveled to West Liberty this week to help clean up and do anything they can to assist those in need. If you would like to help, you can call (859) 612-2895 for more information.

Synth Drugs Now Illegal in Lancaster

Synthetic drugs are now illegal in the city of Lancaster. City council started working on the issue last month, and on Monday, voted to make bath salts and incense that are synth drugs illegal. Council said if a person uses or sells the drugs, it would be a misdemeanor, with penalties of a year in jail and/or a 500 dollar fine This does not make bath salts with Epsom salt or sea salt in them illegal.

If You Can Help, You Can Get Paid

Any city of Lancaster employee who has skills that can help West Liberty recover from last Friday's tornado will get three days of paid leave to go and help. Council approve that on Monday. While the Kentucky League of Cities said it needs those who can operate heavy equipment, council said that even with their vote, employees would have to get Mayor Brenda Powers approve to take the time off.

Lancaster Water Rates Up

Lancaster residents will pay more for their water from the city since council approved an increase in the water rates of three percent. Officials say the increase will show up on customers' next bill, and should amount to about 29 centers more per month.

Powers Still In; Council Takes No Action

It looks like Brenda Powers will carry on as Lancaster's mayor, even after all but one city council member called for her resignation a month ago. They debated the issue at Monday night's meeting, then city attorney Leonard Smith advised council to take no action on the issue. The audience at Monday's meeting may also have had a hand in what didn't happen, as they called for the mayor and council to move on, and work together.

Relief Effort Seeks Funds For Tornado Victims

It is not surprising that many are stepping up to help the victims's of last week's deadly tornado outbreak. Winn Stephens with the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross says raising funds is vital for the relief effort.






The best way to contribute is to text Redcross 90999 in which a ten dollar donation will be added to your monthly bill. You can also visit redcross.org for additional ways to donate.

UK Helps Victims

What can I do to help? The most asked post-tornado question in Kentucky. UK students are getting involved in helping with the clean up and disaster relief. Now, the Robinson Scholars Program office on the campus is fast becoming the location of canned food and other necessary supplies for those trying to put their lives back together after the tornado in the eastern part of Kentucky. Donations will be distributed next week by the Appalachian Center during UK's spring break service-learning course, previously scheduled

Tornado in Eastern Kentucky Strongest in 25 Years

Now that they've had a chance to assess the damage, the National Weather Service says the tornado that hit West Liberty tore a 60 mile path through the eastern part of the commonwealth. While meteorologists say the twister was east of us, they say it was on the ground for about an hour. They said it was the strongest storm there in years, and its path was unprecedented. Downtown West Liberty was destroyed.

Man OK After Car Hits Pole

His car slammed into a utility pole yesterday morning, but an Alum Springs man walked away. The utility pole broke in two, the car was upside down when it was over, but Boyle County Sheriff's officials said driver William Ramsey was outside his car and talking with EMS personnel when they made the scene. Ramsey was taken to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center to be checked out.

Boy Safe After Being Abandoned

A five year old is safe with his mother after his father left him alone at a playground last Friday, as the father went to work. Danville Police got a call around 6 p.m. on Friday that the child was alone at the Jennie Rogers Elementary School playground. Twenty eight year old Richard Pike was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

Two Arrested For Robbery By Bowling Ball

Two men are now charged after burglarizing a home with a bowling ball..







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22 year old Matthew L. Rose of Danville and 24 year old Justin D. Hill of Stanford are accused of throwning a bowling ball through a window at a Danville home sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning and then just taking what they wanted. Danville police responded to the home at around 10:30 AM Saturday. Besides first-degree burglary, the two now face multiple charges with more pending.

Donations For Relief Effort Being Taken in Lexington

Donations for Kentucky tornado victims are being collected in Lexington.






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Donations of trash bags, bottle water or any other kind of drinks, flashlights and batters, non-perishable food items and toilet paper, paper towls and paper plates can be dropped off at a truck stationed at the Hamburg Wal-mart on Grey Lag Way. Donations will be accepted from noon to 7 PM through Saturday. The Salvation Army is also collecting donations of goods and money to assist with the relief effort.

LCHS Girls Win 12th Region Tourney

Lincoln County High School’s Girl’s Basketball team won the 12th Region Tournament yesterday for only the second time in school history by beating Casey County 58-47. They move on to the Girls Sweet Sixteen on Thursday in Bowling Green. After the game, Coach Cassandra McWhorter told WPBK-FM that the win was a total team effort. [DROP IN]. Tim Estes will have more details in the Sports Report.

Beshear Asks For Federal Help After Storms Hit State

Governor Steve Beshear wants the feds to hurry up with the federal disaster declaration that he requested from the President, so that funding can come to the commonwealth quickly that will help people get their lives back together. He said Kentucky has been so damaged by weekend storms, that there's no doubt the commonwealth will qualify for federal disaster aid. Beshear said with the letter he's sent to should get FEMA dollars flowing here soon.

KSP Investigating Pioneer

Kentucky State Police are not investigating Pioneer Vocational Industrial Services' finances. The Advocate Messenger reported on Saturday that the Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations unit has also launched a drug investigation into the non-profit that makes work available for the developmentally disabled. Pioneer has been in existence for 43 years. The investigation does not come in the wake of 34 of its employees being let go, but has been going on for some time. Another 30 employees are still working, as is the core staff.

Man's Body Pulled From Herrington Lake

A man's body was found in Herrington Lake on Saturday, and investigators said that was about a day after he was standing on the shore near his home.
The man was identified as 62 year old
James Obradovich, and the Garrard County coroner pronounced him dead just before 2 p.m. after his body was recovered from the lake. His wife said she last saw Obradovich on Friday around 2 p.m, and when she couldn't find him two hours later, she called 911. Crews began searching on land as storms rolled into the area, and continued for about 12 hours, stopping for the night. They started searching again around 10 Saturday morning, finally finding Obradovich's body in the lake around 2 p.m..

Storms Spare Listening Area

As several areas around us reeled from tornadoes that swept through on Friday and Saturday, Lincoln county was spared what Southern Indiana and Central Kentucky endured. When it was over 19 in Kentucky and 14 in Indiana were killed, and whole towns were wiped off the map. Through out the WPBK listening area, there were reports of hail, lightning, wind, and minor damage caused by any and all of those conditions, but the area was spared the tornadoes that hit other areas.

Stay Informed This Afternoon

Emergency Management is recommending the public stay close to media outlets this afternoon as severe weather moves across the state. Kentucky Emergency Management Director John Heltzel says everyone should stay calm, but be prepared.






In preparing, you should also make sure you are wearing good, sturdy shoes, have a supply of water and food and make sure your cell phones are charged in case of a loss of power. It is also recommended to have an out of state contact prepared in case local cell phone service is lost.

Emergency Management Offices Are Prepared To Respond

According to Kentucky Emergency Management Director John Heltzel, Emergency Management Offices across the state are prepared to respond if needed.






Storms with damaging wind and large hail are expected to cross the state this afternoon and through the night in the eastern parts. Most area schools have dismissed early as a precaution.

KY Emergency Management Warns Public To Be Prepared

Kentucky Emergency Management Director John Heltzel, in a conference call today, is warning the public to be prepared for the possibility of tornadoes.







You will also want to get an out of state contact prepared in case cell phones fail. Also recommended is having some sort of helmet, whether it is a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to wear, if available and putting on sturdy shoes in the event you may have to walk over debris.

From the National Weather Service

From the National Weather Service...

Severe Weather Heads-up, from NWS Louisville:

...SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF
CENTRAL KENTUCKY AND POSSIBLY INTO SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA THIS
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...

A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER MISSOURI WILL CONTINUE TO
DEVELOP AND MOVE TOWARDS OHIO. THIS IS CURRENTLY PUSHING A WARM
FRONT ACROSS THE REGION...BRINGING WITH IT WIDESPREAD SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT CENTRAL KENTUCKY AND SOUTH CENTRAL
INDIANA. THESE STORMS THROUGH THE NOON HOUR WILL BE CAPABLE OF
PRODUCING SMALL HAIL...FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING AND BRIEF
HEAVY RAINFALL. THIS WARM FRONT WILL PUSH NORTH OF THE REGION BY
MIDDAY AND WE WILL SEE A LULL IN PRECIPITATION.

THEN THE COLD FRONT WILL APPROACH OUR AREA FROM THE WEST...WHICH
WILL BRING ABOUT STRONG GRADIENT WINDS AND THE BEST CHANCE FOR
SEVERE WEATHER. STRONG GRADIENT WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH ON SOUTHERLY
WINDS ARE EXPECTED AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT. MEANWHILE...STRONG TO
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO ERUPT ALONG OF OR JUST AHEAD
OF THE COLD FRONT THIS AFTERNOON...MOST LIKELY AROUND THE I-65
CORRIDOR DURING THE EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS...ROUGHLY AROUND 2-4 PM
EST. THE STORMS WILL PRODUCE LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND SOME
TORNADOES...POSSIBLY LONG TRACKED AND VERY DAMAGING TORNADOES AS
WELL. AGAIN...THESE ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AHEAD OF OR ALONG THE
COLD FRONT NEAR THE I-65 CORRIDOR DURING THE EARLY AFTERNOON
HOURS. THESE STORMS WILL CONTINUE TO THE EAST...REACHING SOUTH-
CENTRAL KENTUCKY AND THE BLUEGRASS REGION OF KENTUCKY MOST LIKELY
AFTER 4-5PM EST...AND STILL REMAINING SEVERE OR TORNADIC.

IT CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT THREAT
FOR SEVERE AND TORNADIC THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
PLEASE STAY ABREAST OF THE CURRENT SITUATION AS QUICK ACTION WILL
BE NEEDED SINCE ANY THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON WILL POSE A
SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. CONTINUE TO MONITOR OUR
WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/LOUISVILLE...OR VIEW LOCAL MEDIA ON THIS
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...PAOLI...SALEM...SCOTTSBURG...MADISON...
JASPER...MARENGO...TELL CITY...CORYDON...NEW ALBANY...
JEFFERSONVILLE...HAWESVILLE...HARDINSBURG...BRANDENBURG...
BEAVER DAM...LEITCHFIELD...ELIZABETHTOWN...FORT KNOX...
MOUNT WASHINGTON...SHEPHERDSVILLE...LOUISVILLE...LA GRANGE...
BEDFORD...NEW CASTLE...SHELBYVILLE...FRANKFORT...GEORGETOWN...
CYNTHIANA...TAYLORSVILLE...LAWRENCEBURG...VERSAILLES...
LEXINGTON...PARIS...CARLISLE...BARDSTOWN...SPRINGFIELD...
HARRODSBURG...NICHOLASVILLE...WINCHESTER...HODGENVILLE...
LEBANON...DANVILLE...LANCASTER...RICHMOND...MORGANTOWN...
BROWNSVILLE...MUNFORDVILLE...GREENSBURG...CAMPBELLSVILLE...
LIBERTY...STANFORD...RUSSELLVILLE...BOWLING GREEN...FRANKLIN...
SCOTTSVILLE...GLASGOW...TOMPKINSVILLE...EDMONTON...COLUMBIA...
JAMESTOWN...BURKESVILLE...ALBANY

FSA Note To Dairy Operators

Dairy operators currently enrolled in the “Milk Program”; need to notify
the Stanford Farm Service Agency if there have been any changes to their
dairy operation. A payment rate is anticipated and the dairy producers that
are enrolled in the “Milk Program” will need to provide the FSA Office with
documentation showing the eligible milk production and commercial milk
marketing for the months that will have a payment rate. “Milk Program”
participants need to contact the FSA Office to make sure they are in compliance with the Adjusted Gross Income requirement. This must be completed prior to a payment being disbursed.

Two Hurt in Crash

Two people were hurt yesterday as they rode their motorcycle on US 27 in Eubank. First Responders said a car pulled into the path of the motorcycle, just north of Somerset. Pulaski County Deputies said 55 year old Donald Taylor of Eubank, tried to turn left from US 27 northbound at Oran's Truckstop. Robbi and Sara Hopkins of Tatesville, Ky, were thrown off the motorcycle and taken to UK Hospital. Investigators said neither were wearing helmets.

Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge To Hold Birding Event Saturday

The Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge will host a late-winter visit to the Fred Loetscher Bird Blind at 9 AM on Saturday. Education Director J. P. Brantley says while the heated blind is open at all times for the public, this event will help participants in bird identification.






The Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge is located 13 miles from Danville on Carpenter Creek Road just off Ky. 37 in the Parksville Knob area.